The bell tower of Assumption Church, Windsor. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.The bell tower of Assumption Church, Windsor. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.
Windsor

Future of Assumption Church debated in updated report

Questions surrounding one of Windsor's most historic structures have been raised in an updated report commissioned by the Diocese of London.

The second and final report concerning the events surrounding fundraising campaigns and the real future of Assumption Church has been publicly released, attempting to clarify some issues raised by the original report, published in August, and comparing costs and options surrounding the future use for the house of worship.

Windsor lawyer Paul Mullins has prepared the two reports at the request of Bishop Ronald Fabbro. The first report uncovered several misfired attempts at fundraising efforts toward restoring the church. The second, a 13-page supplement, discusses subsequent attempts at reviving portions of the structure and Assumption Parish's sustainability.

The church, which sits on University Ave. W. in the shadow of the Ambassador Bridge, has been there since 1842 when the neighbourhood was part of Sandwich Towne. The parish itself is one of the oldest in North America, first established in 1767. Despite it not being used for regular Masses, it is still used for special occasions. Parishioners currently attend Mass at nearby Holy Name of Mary, near Wilson Park.

BlackburnNewsWindsor.com obtained a copy of the second report on Friday but was asked to keep it under embargo until the highlights were presented to parishioners during Mass at Holy Name of Mary on Saturday evening.

The purpose of Mullins' report is to provide the latest information on the Assumption issue to the Diocese. The original report listed a variety of options concerning the future of Assumption Church, which were to restore it to its status as a parish church; making Holy Name of Mary the official parish church, and turning the responsibility of Assumption over to the St. Benedict Tridentine Catholic Community. Other options included repurposing Assumption for another purpose or community need; turning Assumption Church over to the neighbouring University of Windsor; and finally, creating an indigenous university or institute.

The supplement released this weekend points out several issues raised after the release of the first report in August. One was the negative impact of the restructuring of parishes in the Diocese of London, which included the closure of up to 20 Catholic churches. Three of those, St. Patrick, Blessed Sacrament and Holy Name of Mary are within the original boundaries of the Assumption Parish. This led to speculation that Fabbro was not in favour of restoring Assumption, a charge that the bishop has denied.

Other clarifications include a cost estimate on upgrading the hot water heating system in the structure, which comes to $400,000; and the amount of money pledged by local philanthropist Al Quesnel toward the restoration of Assumption, with his $2.5-million donation to St. Anne's in Tecumseh for completing the restoration of its roof and bell tower. Quesnel has renewed a pledge for $5-million toward Assumption as long as it is matched.

The second report provides information on the demographics of Assumption Parish. Some highlights include those speaking multiple languages other than English or French, a 57 per cent makeup of immigrants living in the area being from Asia, and a parish unemployment rate of 14 per cent, double the city's average rate. Another telling statistic uncovered is attendance at Masses since Assumption held its final regular Mass in 2014. Attendance the following year dropped by 42 per cent as a direct result of the closure of Assumption Church, though it has rebounded slightly.

There are also total cost comparisons for three scenarios. Restoration of Assumption Church, including improvements to the fire sprinkler system, copper roofing and the parish hall, is estimated to cost $26.3-million. Similar enhancements made to the current Holy Name of Mary have been totalled at just over $10-million, and building a new parish church from the ground up is estimated at $13.3-million.

The complete 13-page second report and information on contributing to restoring Assumption Church is available online.

Mullins will provide a bullet-point overview of the second report during Mass Sunday at Holy Name of Mary parish on McEwan Ave., at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Also, Mullins will hold a comprehensive information session and take questions and comments on the matter following the 9 a.m. Mass in the Rooney Lounge at the parish.

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